Many years ago as a small boy sitting at a crowded and noisy Thanksgiving dinner, I learned a valuable lesson about turkey, politics and priorities. It is a lesson that our national and state politicians have yet to learn – and it’s hurting all of us.

Lancaster County’s unemployment rate fell considerably last month, according to recent figures from the S.C. Department of Employment and Workforce.

The county posted an unemployment clip of 13.7 percent for October, compared to the 14.9 percent for September. That places the county at 13th in the state. The rate a year ago in Lancaster County was 14.6.

Up on stage, the members of The Hinson Girls bluegrass band out of Van Wyck seem like naturals with an at-ease performing style that’s the hallmark of seasoned musicians.

Maybe that’s why it comes as such a surprise to learn the girls – Katelyn, 12, on mandolin and lead vocals, Kristin, 16, on guitar and fiddle, and 14-year-old twins Allison and Melissa on banjo and bass – played their first formal show in February.

A Lancaster man injured in a motorcycle accident two weeks ago is recovering but remains hospitalized, friends said.

Larry Pierce Altman, 62, was injured about 9 a.m. Nov. 19 while on his way to Second Baptist Church to meet fellow members of the church’s motorcycle ministry before heading out for a charity bike ride in King’s Mountain.